Tips for Avoiding Winter Slips and Falls

Winter weather conditions increase the risk of slips, trips and falls. With the proper safety knowledge, you can protect yourself as you are out and about this winter season.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident caused by a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Do not hesitate to contact the Lynch Law Firm, PC’s New Jersey slip and fall lawyers for a free, no obligation consultation to learn about the legal options available for recovering compensation.

Steps You Can Take to Prevent a Slip and Fall Accident

Although a slip and fall accident may seem minor, victims can suffer serious injuries after falling on an uneven or wet surface.

To avoid being injured in a slip and fall accident, consider following these steps:

• Watch where you walk: Look to the area ahead of where you are walking to examine the surrounding area for ice, snow or other hazards that could cause you to fall. Even if you are indoors, you should carefully watch where you step. Wet shoes can track in water and slush, making floors slick and increasing the risk of a slip and fall accident.
• Wear smart footwear: During the winter season, wear boots or shoes that are sturdy with textured soles give you more traction on ice and slippery surfaces.
• Use supporting objects: Another useful tip is to use supporting objects, like handrails, if available. This may help you maintain balance, keep you upright, and help you recover from a potential fall.
• Walk smart: While walking outside during the winter season, try to choose routes with less hazards when possible. Also, consider taking smaller steps, walking slowly with a flat foot and avoiding running when the ground is icy.
• Take your time: If you are walking to your destination, try not to rush yourself. Give yourself more travel time to travel in case your route has slippery conditions. If you begin to fall, stay calm and relaxed. Try to roll as you fall forward and attempt to move into a sitting position if you fall backwards.
• Wear appropriate eyewear: If your vision is compromised, you may not be able to see hazards in your path. Be sure to wear appropriate eyewear, like sunglasses, that protect your vision and enable you to see upcoming hazards.
• Stay in shape: Leg strengthening exercises will also improve muscle tone, stability and strength in your legs. Practicing balance exercises can benefit you as you walk about in winter conditions.
• Avoid hazardous conditions: If the weather outside is too dangerous or created several dangerous hazards, like icy pavements or large snow embankments, stay inside and avoid running non-critical errands
• Report hazardous conditions: If you notice slick or untreated sidewalks or pavements, report them to a property owner or business manager.

What Property Owners Should Do to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents

Property owners have a duty to ensure they maintain a safe property during the winter for all guests and visitors. This includes:

• Using mats: Property owners should place mats in entryways to help soak up water tracked in from shoes and keep areas from becoming slippery.
• Inspecting areas regularly: Property owners should regularly inspect their premises to identify hazards and correct them before an accident occurs. All safety rails should be secured so they are able to support guests and visitors.
• Salting walkways: All walkways should be covered with sand, salt or ice melt after snowfall or an ice storm.  This adds traction for guests and visitors and eliminates hazardous buildup of snow, ice and debris.
• Clearing hazardous areas: All snow and ice should be removed from sidewalks, stairs and other walkways right away. If an ongoing winter storm has caused large amounts of snow or ice to accumulate, the property owner should remove the hazards at regular intervals for safety.
• Posting warning signs: Property owners are legally obligated to provide guests and visitors adequate warning of any known hazards on the property. This includes postings visible signs clearly stating the presence of a hazard or sectioning off a dangerous area.
• Checking gutters: Property owners should make sure their gutters and downspouts are routed to drain away from walkways. This will prevent additional water from depositing in areas where pedestrians walk, which could freeze and cause slippery conditions.

If a property owner fails to take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of visitors to a property, he or she could potentially be held liable for a slip and fall accident that occurs on the property.

Contact New Jersey Our Slip and Fall Lawyers for Help

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident in New Jersey, the Lynch Law Firm, PC’s attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We will investigate your claim to help you determine if you have a case against a negligent property owner and will work to maximize your compensation.

Schedule a free, no obligation consultation now to discuss your claim with our legal team. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs. You only have to pay us if we successfully recover compensation for your claim.

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.